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MARK BAKER TO BE HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS ENGEN TROPHY

FREDERICK, Md., April 18, 2024—The Aero Club of Washington announced today that AOPA President Mark Baker will be the 2024 recipient of the Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence in recognition of his fierce leadership and passionate commitment to general aviation.

Established in 1993, the Engen Trophy is awarded to an individual, organization, or team who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in aviation that reaffirms the standard set by the Wright brothers. Previous recipients include former CEO of Southwest Airlines Herb Kelleher, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the STS-114 Discovery Shuttle crew.

“Mark Baker is a passionate and tireless advocate for the general aviation community and has led several initiatives over the past decade that have advanced aviation safety and innovation, and made flying more accessible to more people,” said Aero Club President David Richardson. “On behalf of the Aero Club of Washington, I am honored to be the person who will hand the Donald D. Engen Trophy to Mark Baker.”

Under Baker’s leadership, AOPA has championed the protection and future for aviation on behalf of the 300,000 member pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts.

The organization’s advocacy arm has seen robust success on the local, state, and national levels—repeatedly being recognized by The Hill as a top 50 advocacy organization. The skies are safer than ever thanks, in part, to his leadership of the award-winning AOPA Air Safety Institute. And his passion for sharing the magic of flight with others has led to the expansion of the You Can Fly program under the AOPA Foundation. More than 250 flying clubs have been launched across the country; 32,000 rusty pilots have returned to the flight deck; and approximately 71,000 students have been introduced to aviation through the high school aviation STEM curriculum—with 60 percent of program graduates indicating they are pursuing an aviation-related career. In addition, more than 2,800 instructors and students have logged on to the innovative AOPA Flight Training Advantage app, designed to make the learning experience more efficient and effective for all.

“Since I started flying as a teenager, I have seen firsthand the value of a strong and prosperous general aviation community,” Baker said, reflecting on his extensive experience and achievements. “No other place on Earth allows the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy in this great nation, and I am honored and humbled to be recognized as having had a hand in promoting, protecting, and growing general aviation for the aviators of today and tomorrow.”

The Aero Club of Washington will present the Engen Trophy to Baker at the organization’s June 17 luncheon.

AOPA Communications staff
AOPA Communications Staff are communicators who specialize in making aerospace, aviation and advocacy information relatable for all.

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